VIJAY KUMAR BARMAN Vs. BAGHELA GAS SERVICE

JUDGEMENT

(1.) Misc. Application Seeking Condonation of Delay.

(2.) In the fateful evening of 01.09.2000, for cooking meals, the mother of the Appellants lighted the LPG stove. The fire engulfed the lady. She died of burn injuries on the spot. Her husband tried to save her and in the process sustained extensive burn injuries. He later died in the hospital on 05.09.2000. There was damage to the house as well. The incident was reported to the police the same evening and the Gas Distributor, Respondent No. 1, in this Appeal, was also informed. According to the Appellants, the Gas cylinder supplied by Respondent No. 1 and filled up by the Indian Oil Corporation, Respondent No. 2 herein, did not have the 'nozzle pin'; no sooner its cap was removed the gas leaked from the cylinder and on lighting the stove, there was fire all around in the kitchen, causing serious burn injuries to both of them. The Police investigation confirmed the stand of the Appellants.

(3.) Alleging lack of services on the part of Respondents No. 1 & 2, the Appellants filed a complaint, not happily worded, against them praying for compensation of Rs. 9,00,000/- and Rs. 45,000/- for the death of their parents and damage to the house respectively.